The 2026 NFL Draft is officially here, and for the San Francisco 49ers, this is a pivotal moment. Coming off a season that fell short of Super Bowl expectations, general manager John Lynch and head coach Kyle Shanahan have a roster that is strong but not without glaring holes. With a limited number of picks and a win-now window that remains wide open, the 49ers need to hit on every selection.
This isn't just a draft preview. This is a round-by-round big board -- a curated list of top targets for each projected slot, based on team needs, player value, and scheme fit. From a first-round offensive tackle who could replace a future Hall of Famer, to a late-round pass rusher who could develop into a rotation piece, here are the names you need to know.
Round 1 (Pick No. 11 Overall): The Offensive Line Fix
Primary Need: Offensive Tackle
The 49ers' offensive line is in transition. Left tackle Trent Williams is still playing at an elite level, but he's also 37 years old. Right tackle Colton McKivitz has been steady but unspectacular. It's time to invest in a long-term bookend, and the 2026 class is loaded with top-tier tackle prospects.
Top Target: Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
Simmons is the complete package. At 6-foot-6 and 315 pounds, he has the frame to anchor against power rushers and the athleticism to reach the second level in Shanahan's outside-zone scheme. He started at both left and right tackle for the Buckeyes, showing versatility that the 49ers covet. He's a plug-and-play starter who could immediately compete for the right tackle job, with the upside to eventually replace Williams on the left side. If he's on the board at No. 11, the 49ers should sprint to the podium.
Alternate Target: Will Campbell, OT, LSU
Campbell is a technician with four years of starting experience in the SEC. He's a bit shorter than Simmons (6-foot-5), but he plays with excellent leverage and power. His hand placement and footwork are NFL-ready, and he's a mauler in the run game. The only concern is his arm length, which could push him to guard in some schemes. But Shanahan's system values quickness and technique over pure length, making Campbell a strong fit.
Sleeper Pick: Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
Ersery is a late-riser who has been climbing boards all spring. At 6-foot-6 and 330 pounds, he's a massive human being with surprising agility. He needs refinement in pass protection, but his raw power and length are intriguing. Taking him at No. 11 would be a slight reach, but if the 49ers trade back a few spots, he could be the target.
Round 2 (Pick No. 43 Overall): Adding Pass Rush Depth
Primary Need: Edge Rusher
The 49ers boast one of the best defensive lines in football headlined by Nick Bosa, but the depth behind him requires attention. The team needs a young, explosive edge rusher who can provide rotational snaps and develop into a future starter.
Top Target: James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee
Pearce is a dynamic pass rusher with a lethal first step. He's a bit undersized at 6-foot-4 and 245 pounds, but his bend and dip around the edge are elite. He reminds scouts of a young Haason Reddick -- a twitched-up rusher who wins with speed and quickness. In the 49ers' scheme, he would be a perfect designated pass rusher on third downs, paired with Bosa and the interior push from the defensive line.
Alternate Target: Nic Scourton, EDGE, Texas A&M
Scourton is more of a power rusher. At 6-foot-4 and 280 pounds, he uses his strength to set the edge against the run and bulldoze offensive tackles into the quarterback's lap. He's a scheme-versatile player who could kick inside on passing downs, giving the defensive coordinator flexibility. His motor runs hot and cold on tape, but the physical tools are undeniable.
Sleeper Pick: J.T. Tuimoloau, EDGE, Ohio State
Tuimoloau never quite became the superstar many predicted, but he's a solid, fundamentally sound player. He's strong at the point of attack and has a deep bag of pass-rush moves. He's not a dynamic athlete, but he's a football player. In Round 2, he offers high-floor value as a rotational edge who can set the edge and chip in 5-6 sacks per season.
Round 3 (Pick No. 75 Overall): The Interior Offensive Line
Primary Need: Guard/Center
While the starting interior has been serviceable with center Jake Brendel turning 33 next season, the 49ers could benefit from adding a versatile interior lineman who can play both guard and center. This would bolster depth and provide competition for starting roles in the near future.
Top Target: Zach Frazier, IOL, West Virginia
Frazier is a throwback center with a wrestling background that shows in his hand-to-hand combat. He's powerful, tough, and technically sound. He is a better run blocker than pass protector at this stage, but his awareness and football IQ are off the charts. In Shanahan's offense, the center is responsible for making line calls. Frazier can handle that load immediately, and he could challenge Brendel for the starting job as a rookie.
Alternate Target: Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State
Jackson has started at left guard for the Buckeyes for three seasons. He's a powerful drive blocker with the lateral quickness to pull and trap, which are staples of the 49ers' run game. He's a bit undersized at 6-foot-3 and 310 pounds, but he plays with a nasty streak. He projects as a Day 1 starter at left guard.
Sleeper Pick: Sedrick Van Pran, IOL, Georgia
Van Pran is a two-time national champion who started at center for Georgia. He's a bit undersized (6-foot-3, 310 pounds), but he's smart, tough, and experienced. He's not a high-ceiling athlete, but he's a reliable, winning player. In the third round, that's excellent value.
Round 4 (Pick No. 111 Overall): Cornerback Depth
Primary Need: Outside Cornerback
The 49ers' secondary is led by Deommodore Lenoir, but depth behind him is thin. A young, developmental corner who can play outside and contribute on special teams is a need.
Top Target: Kool-Aid McKinstry, CB, Alabama
McKinstry is a smooth, technically refined corner with excellent ball skills. He's not a burner, but he has good instincts and route recognition. He'll need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, but he has the tools to be a starting-caliber player. In the fourth round, he represents tremendous value.
Alternate Target: T.J. Tampa, CB, Iowa State
Tampa is a long, physical corner who excels in press-man coverage. He's 6-foot-2 with 32-inch arms, giving him the length to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage. He's aggressive and competitive, but he can be grabby downfield. Developing his technique will be key. He's a perfect candidate to play outside while learning from Lenoir.
Sleeper Pick: Ennis Rakestraw Jr., CB, Missouri
Rakestraw is tenacious and physical. He's a willing tackler and plays with a chip on his shoulder. He lacks elite speed, but his competitive toughness makes him a fit for the 49ers' culture. He could step in as a nickel corner or provide depth outside.
Round 5 (Pick No. 150 Overall): The Wide Receiver Room
Primary Need: Slot Receiver / Returner
With Deebo Samuel no longer with the team and the potential cap concerns involved, adding a young, versatile receiver who can operate out of the slot and contribute in the return game would be a luxury pick. The 49ers have starters Brandon Aiyuk and Mike Evans, but depth is unproven.
Top Target: Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas
Worthy is a speed demon who ran a 4.21 40-yard dash at the Combine. He's an explosive playmaker who can take the top off a defense, but he's also capable of turning a simple screen into a long touchdown. He's a dynamic returner and would give Shanahan a weapon to scheme touches for. Yes, he's slight (165 pounds), but the 49ers have a history of taking chances on undersized playmakers.
Alternate Target: Malachi Corley, WR, Western Kentucky
Corley is a Deebo Samuel clone. At 5-foot-10 and 210 pounds, he's a bowling ball with the ball in his hands. He's not a polished route runner, but the 49ers can use him on jet sweeps, screens, and quick hitters. He's tough, physical, and a willing blocker. He could be the long-term replacement for Samuel's role.
Sleeper Pick: Javon Baker, WR, UCF
Baker is a big-play threat with good size (6-foot-1, 205 pounds) and strong hands. He's raw as a route runner, but he can win vertically. He'd be a project, but in the fifth round, the upside is worth the gamble.
Round 6 (Pick No. 188 Overall): The Developmental Linebacker
Primary Need: Linebacker Depth
Fred Warner is an All-Pro, and Dre Greenlaw is a star when healthy. But Greenlaw has dealt with injuries, and the depth behind them is lacking. A young, athletic linebacker who can contribute on special teams and develop as a backup is a good investment.
Top Target: Payton Wilson, LB, NC State
Wilson is a rangy, athletic linebacker who flies to the ball. He has good instincts in coverage and is a reliable tackler. His injury history (multiple shoulder surgeries) is a concern, but in the sixth round, it's a risk worth taking. He could compete for the dime linebacker role and be a core special teams player.
Alternate Target: Cedric Gray, LB, North Carolina
Gray is a productive, three-down linebacker who is best in space. He's an excellent blitzer and has the speed to run with tight ends and running backs. He needs to improve his play strength and block shedding, but the athletic traits are there.
Sleeper Pick: Dallas Gant, LB, Toledo
Gant is a long, athletic linebacker who transferred from Ohio State. He's smart, instinctive, and a good cover guy. He's a bit light (225 pounds), but his range and football IQ make him an intriguing developmental piece.
Round 7 (Pick No. 225 Overall): The Best Player Available
At this point, the 49ers should take the best player on the board regardless of position. Use the pick on a high-upside player who can compete for a roster spot on special teams and practice squad stash.
Top Target: Jordan Travis, QB, Florida State
If Travis falls this far, he's an interesting project. He has mobility, arm talent, and experience in a pro-style offense. He could be a developmental backup and eventual trade chip.
Alternate Target: Sione Vaki, RB/S, Utah
Vaki is a versatile, Swiss Army knife who played both running back and safety in college. He's a natural playmaker who could carve out a role as a special teams ace and gadget player.
Final Thoughts
The 49ers enter the 2026 NFL Draft with clear needs and a finite number of picks. They must add a starting offensive tackle, a rotational edge rusher, interior line depth, and young contributors in the secondary and receiving corps. This big board gives Lynch and Shanahan a roadmap.
If they hit on their first-round pick and find a starter in the second or third round, this draft will be a success. With the Super Bowl window still open, the 49ers can't afford to miss. The board is set. The targets are identified. Now, it's time to see how the chips fall.
